Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, 2024
This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, K... more This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya. Using point counts and line transects, a rapid assessment of three habitats, based on levels of human disturbance was conducted. A total of 394 (n=394) birds belonging to 25 families and 34 species were recorded, with bushland recording the highest abundance and species richness (43.15%; and 26), followed by farmlands at 31.47% and 15; and human settlement recording the least (25.38% and 10). The Tukey HSD test established a significant difference in bird abundance between bushlands and human settlement areas (p = 0.014), with no significance between bushlands and farmlands (p = 0.082); nor between farmlands and human settlements (p = 0.356). Jaccard index / similarity coefficient across habitat scores noted a reducing similarity across avian sighted habitats at 0.316, 0.281 and 0.2 for human settlementsfarmland; farmland-bushlands; and human settlement-bushland, respectively. Study results demonstrate that human influence has an impact on avian species composition, distribution, and abundance, especially within peri-urban areas of Narok, Kenya. Our study proposes creation of avian sensitive buffer zones within the habitats and ecotones; targeted community education on impacts of anthropogenic activities on avian diversity; and a deeper appraisal on seasonal and functional diversity in habitat types and overlapping ecotones on avian species, with a lens on resource availability.
This paper appraises the role of contemporary Kiswahili music, a form of oral art, in promoting e... more This paper appraises the role of contemporary Kiswahili music, a form of oral art, in promoting environmental awareness and advocacy. Using case studies from Kenya and Tanzania, we analyse whether East African music infused with suitable environmental practices can help mainstream environmental education, arouse public interest towards nature, advocate for change in mind-sets, and call for proactive action on environmental conservation, while still offering entertainment. Ethnomusicological Kiswahili songs encouraging connection to nature were purposively chosen and acquired from YouTube. The lyrics of these songs were transcribed, translated, and analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis and Conceptual Metaphor Theories. By examining the context and meanings of these songs, we demonstrate that contemporary environmental songs are art forms of expression that advocate for increased environmental management by eliciting discussions and encouraging active societal eco-friendly remedial actions towards ecological resilience and environmental integrity. This article contributes to the emerging discourse on educational and environmental connections through the use of contemporary music, entertainment, and metaphors, with an overarching view to addressing current and emerging environmental concerns. Consequently, we affirm that African music can be used for entertainment, communication of messages and promotion of positive behaviour change.
Resume
Une évaluation des chansons environnementales kiswahili contemporaines d'Afrique de l'Est
Cet article évalue le rôle de la musique kiswahili contemporaine, une forme d'art oral, dans la promotion de la sensibilisation et du plaidoyer environnemental. À l’aide d’études de cas du Kenya et de Tanzanie, nous analysons si la musique d’Afrique de l’Est, imprégnée de pratiques environnementales appropriées, peut contribuer à généraliser l’éducation environnementale, susciter l’intérêt du public pour la nature, plaider en faveur d’un changement de mentalité et appeler à une action proactive en matière de conservation de l’environnement, tout en proposant des animations. Des chansons ethnomusicologiques kiswahili encourageant le lien avec la nature ont été délibérément choisies et acquises sur YouTube. Les paroles de ces chansons ont été transcrites, traduites et analysées. Les thèmes sous-jacents des chansons ont été décodés à l’aide de l’analyse critique du discours et des théories des métaphores conceptuelles. En examinant le contexte et la signification de ces chansons, nous démontrons que les chansons contemporaines respectueuses de l'environnement sont des formes d'expression artistique qui prônent une gestion accrue de l'environnement en suscitant des discussions et en encourageant des actions correctives sociétales actives et respectueuses de l'environnement en faveur de la résilience écologique et de l'intégrité environnementale. Cet article contribue au discours émergent sur les liens éducatifs et environnementaux à travers l’utilisation de la musique contemporaine, du divertissement et des métaphores, avec une vision globale pour répondre aux préoccupations environnementales actuelles et émergentes. Par conséquent, nous affirmons que la musique africaine peut être utilisée à des fins de divertissement, de communication de messages et de promotion d’un changement de comportement positif.
As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to... more As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to grow, it is increasingly important that these observations can be identified to the finest taxonomic level, maximizing their value for biodiversity research. Here, we explore the benefits of acting as an identifier on iNaturalist.
Abstract: Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing ge... more Abstract: Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which include long lines, weirs, beach seines, fish baskets, and gill nets of various mesh sizes. The fishing gears have both positive and negative effects on the fishery. The ...
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
To achieve their conservation goals individuals, communities and organizations need to acquire a ... more To achieve their conservation goals individuals, communities and organizations need to acquire a diversity of skills, knowledge and information (i.e. capacity). Despite current efforts to build and maintain appropriate levels of conservation capacity, it has been recognized that there will need to be a significant scaling-up of these activities in sub-Saharan Africa. This is because of the rapid increase in the number and extent of environmental problems in the region. We present a range of socio-economic contexts relevant to four key areas of African conservation capacity building: protected area management, community engagement, effective leadership, and professional e-learning. Under these core themes, 39 specific recommendations are presented. These were derived from multi-stakeholder workshop discussions at an international conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2015. At the meeting 185 delegates (practitioners, scientists, community groups and government agencies) represented 105 organizations from 24 African nations and eight non-African nations. The 39 recommendations constituted six broad types of suggested action: (1) the development of new methods, (2) the provision of capacity building resources (e.g. information or data), (3) the communication of ideas or examples of successful initiatives, (4) the implementation of new research or gap analyses, (5) the establishment of new structures within and between organizations, and (6) the development of new partnerships. A number of cross-cutting issues also emerged from the discussions: the need for a greater sense of urgency in developing capacity building activities; the need to develop novel capacity building methodologies; and the need to move away from one-size-fits-all approaches.
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment, 2014
Sondu-Miriu River, Osodo beach, riverine fish, Artisan fishers of Osodo beach of Sondu-Miriu Rive... more Sondu-Miriu River, Osodo beach, riverine fish, Artisan fishers of Osodo beach of Sondu-Miriu River (Kenya) use both traditional and modern gear to catch riverine fish species. This study, conducted between August 2006 and July 2007, revealed that fishers most predominantly used gear were the seine nets (42%) and the gill nets (28%). Other used gear include long lines (14%); fish baskets (9%) and weirs (7%). The selectivity of this fishing gear varied with the developmental stages of the fish to be caught. Non-selective gear caught both targeted and non-targeted species irrespective of size and development stages. The ranking of selective to non-selective fishing gear was the long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach nets at 2%, 11%, 16%, 24% and 32%, respectively. The non-selective fishing gear may have negative impacts on the riverine fish by reducing spawning biomass and lacustrine fish recruitment. These findings underscore the need for greater appreciation, research, and adaptation of appropriate fishing gear to ensure sustainable utilization of the riverine fisheries in Sondu-Miriu River.
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which... more Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which include long lines, weirs, beach seines, fish baskets, and gill nets of various mesh sizes. The fishing gears have both positive and negative effects on the fishery. The study was conducted between August 2006 and July 2007, during the wet and dry seasons. Four study sites were selected along the river where questionnaires were administered randomly to the artisan fishers. The major objective of the study was to assess the impacts of various fishing gears used by artisan fishers in the lower River Sondu Miriu and recommend measures for planning, and sustaining the rational utilization of the river fish species. The most predominantly used gear was the seine net followed by the gill. Beach seines preference was 42%, while other gears were gill nets (28%); long lines (14%); fish baskets (9%) and weirs (7%). The results indicated that the proportion of fish trapped varied among gears and caught fish were in different developmental stages. The juvenile fish caught in total catches by long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach seines were 2%, 11%, 16%, 24% and 32% respectively. The order of mature fish capture from the best to worst gears was thus long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach seines. Non-selective gears are fishing gears that catch both targeted and non-targeted species irrespective of sizes and developmental stages. Within Osodo Beach, these non-selective fishing gears were beach seines and gill nets. The gill nets involved were those lower than 4 inches in mesh size and 4 inches hang at a hanging ratio below 0.5. These gears caught gravid and juvenile fish which in the long term may have negative impacts on the riverine fish. These impacts include reduction of spawning biomass and lacustrine recruitment levels thus affecting the sustainability of the fish resource and economy of the area since fishing was the major economic activity. Lost and/or abandoned fish baskets and weirs were also non-selective though to a lower scale unlike the seines and gill nets. These effects may lead to the change in fish species composition, increased by-catch and ghost fishing. Construction and setting of weirs and baskets interfered with wetland refugia and increased sediments. Fish species in the seines were mostly comprised of Schilbe intermedius, Labeo victorianus Synodontis victoriae, Brycinus sadleri, Afromastacembelus frenatus, and Clarias gariepinus. In gill nets, the most encountered species were Schilbe intermedius, Labeo victorianus and Barbus. In baskets, Haplochromines and Schilbe were the commonest species caught. Weirs and baskets contained mostly Schilbe intermedius and Oreochromis niloticus while long lines caught Clarias sp. and Oreochromis sp. Fishing was done in calm water areas of the river and was more intense during the wet than dry season during which the fish spawned. This was attributed to the increased number of lacustrine fish that swim upstream to spawn. These fish were gravid females and milting males of large sizes. Fishing was also conducted in the flood plains, river course and river mouth. The river course and river mouth are fished all year. However, the river mouth is the most preferred since both the lake and riverine fish were present in the area. Fishing was the major economic activity in the area (64%) as compared to subsistence agriculture (36%). Economic gain accounts from fishing were 68% while from subsistence gain was 32%. The commercial fish were sold in the local markets. The most preferred commercial fish types were Synodontis victoriae, Schilbe intermedius, Haplochromines and Clarias gariepinus while Afromastacembelus frenatus was the least preferred, usually discarded dead into the river, though occasionally eaten. Fish reduced the communities' dependence on other protein sources like meat and chicken, which are expensive. In the local markets, a collection of five fish goes for between ten and twenty Kenyan shillings (0.14-0.28 US$). This was mainly during fish abundance. When the fish were scarce, they fetched higher prices. The money generated though negligible, settled school fees, health care and other social amenities bills after long time accumulations. At the major markets, fish sold by middlemen fetched from thirty to fifty Kenyan shillings (0.43-0.71 US$). Unlike fishing, agriculture practiced in the area was mainly for subsistence purposes. The study concluded that the River Sondu fishery is under threat from increased fishing pressure and degradation of fish nursery areas by fisher folk. Recommendations from this study are: fishing effort should be reduced through regulated fishing by season and location, e.g. closed fishing during spawning seasons; participatory revision of existing fishing laws and regulations should be done; implementing awareness and sensitization programs to fishers should be done; and providing credit facilities to promote alternative livelihood e.g. agriculture should be encouraged.
Africa’s sustainability future is bright. In that future, green jobs abound so much that youth un... more Africa’s sustainability future is bright. In that future, green jobs abound so much that youth unemployment is dealt a decisive blow. But for this future to materialise, young people, policymakers, private sector players, local communities, and Africans as a whole must roll up their sleeves and work very hard at ensuring replenishment and not depletion of natural resources. The numerous pathways that lead to this future can be found in parliaments, learning institutions, work places, local markets, city streets, farms, and all across Africa. This publication showcases over 30 such pathways that have already been carved successfully by young people from all over the continent.
Increased environmental degradation in Kenya, Africa, the global south and world over, has result... more Increased environmental degradation in Kenya, Africa, the global south and world over, has resulted in intensified incidents of food insecurity (FAO, 2009); water quality loss and scarcity; natural resource depletion and conflicts (FAOSTAT, 2009; FAO, 2010); emergence of infectious diseases and spread; increased pollution (Clinton Foundation, 2010); and unsustainable livelihoods, among other anthropogenic challenges including industrialization (UN Habitat, 2009). Natural environmental assets continue to be negatively exploited for economic gain; affecting their ability to discharge critical ecological, social, cultural, and economic functions, also known as ‘planetary boundaries,’ as argued by UN (2012). These negative trends not only push the planet towards a tipping point that would make the planet less habitable (Frantzeskaki & de Haan 2009; Rockström et al, 2009; UNEPa, 2012; UNEPb, 2012; UNEPc, 2012; Pradhan & Waswala, 2014), but also hamper the achievement of national and global agenda including the Kenya’s Vision 2030 (Government of the Republic of Kenya, 2007); the African Union Vision 2063 (African Union Commission, 2013); and a myriad of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Most of these extractive socio-economic and ecological ills are a result of people lacking an appreciation of the environment, as it is viewed as public good open to exploitation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the tragedy of the commons (Ostrom E., 2008). The negative mindset is exuberated by poor law enforcement; coupled with the economics and ecological disconnect especially at decision making and limited consideration of emerging environmental issues. The economic and ecological disconnect is primarily because environmental sustainability is yet to be mainstreamed into a number of academic disciplines / courses in learning institutions.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a vital role to play in influencing the future societies towards a sustainable future by producing new knowledge; development of skills and competencies; and elevating sustainability consciousness. Despite humanity sharing common learning environments and planet, most academic courses taught in HEIs are taught independently, as opposed to interrelating them through “systems thinking.” This is essential because each dimension of development can either have a positive or negative impact on other dimensions. It is therefore increasingly important that interdisciplinary cross-cutting environmental education is promoted in HEIs, as this is a conduit to preserving and improving the world's environment, as envisaged in world's inaugural Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education (UNESCO, 1978) and subsequent conferences. The Tbilisi meeting culminated with the need to promote environmental education at all levels and for all age groups both inside and outside the formal school system. This is especially critical in addressing the emerging environmental challenges the world is grappling with. It is also of great urgency for youth, academia, and future leaders, in collaboration with governments and private entities, to develop and embrace interdisciplinary curriculum capacity development and practical hands-on solutions on environmental ethics and sustainability for prosperity as proposed by Karri Holley (2017). This kind of curriculum offers students a platform to work with vast knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines and to solve cross-cutting problems. It also stimulates intergenerational learning and transformative leadership.
The chapter provides an overview of the Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African U... more The chapter provides an overview of the Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African Universities Partnership (MESA). The partnership was established to strengthen capacity development and environmental innovation through practical education, training and networking in African universities through Education for Sustainable Development initiatives. The MESA partnership, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 2004, was developed via three phases over the period of the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development, culminating in this Monograph on ‘Stories of Change’, and the development of the Africa Environmental Education and Training Action Plan for 2015-2024. MESA universities have contributed to the development of this Action Plan, and also paved the way for the establishment of the Global Universities Partnership for Environment and Sustainability (GUPES), which now has 500 partner universities, including the 90 from the MESA network. This allows MESA universities to be linked into a global universities network focusing on the mainstreaming of environment and sustainability into universities.
Over the last quarter of a century, the world economy has quadrupled, benefiting hundreds of mill... more Over the last quarter of a century, the world economy has quadrupled, benefiting hundreds of millions of people. This increase in economic growth, a result of increased consumption, has resulted in the loss of livelihoods and the degradation of approximately 60% of the world’s major ecosystems services. This degradation is attributed to the exploitation of natural resources, without allowing stocks to regenerate, and through allowing widespread ecosystem mismanagement. The increased consumption of Earth’s resources is pushing the planet towards a ‘tipping point’. This tipping point is attributed to increases in world population, industrialization (UN Habitat 2009), pollution (Clinton Foundation 2010), food production (FAO 2009) and resources depletion (FAO 2010).
Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, 2024
This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, K... more This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya. Using point counts and line transects, a rapid assessment of three habitats, based on levels of human disturbance was conducted. A total of 394 (n=394) birds belonging to 25 families and 34 species were recorded, with bushland recording the highest abundance and species richness (43.15%; and 26), followed by farmlands at 31.47% and 15; and human settlement recording the least (25.38% and 10). The Tukey HSD test established a significant difference in bird abundance between bushlands and human settlement areas (p = 0.014), with no significance between bushlands and farmlands (p = 0.082); nor between farmlands and human settlements (p = 0.356). Jaccard index / similarity coefficient across habitat scores noted a reducing similarity across avian sighted habitats at 0.316, 0.281 and 0.2 for human settlementsfarmland; farmland-bushlands; and human settlement-bushland, respectively. Study results demonstrate that human influence has an impact on avian species composition, distribution, and abundance, especially within peri-urban areas of Narok, Kenya. Our study proposes creation of avian sensitive buffer zones within the habitats and ecotones; targeted community education on impacts of anthropogenic activities on avian diversity; and a deeper appraisal on seasonal and functional diversity in habitat types and overlapping ecotones on avian species, with a lens on resource availability.
This paper appraises the role of contemporary Kiswahili music, a form of oral art, in promoting e... more This paper appraises the role of contemporary Kiswahili music, a form of oral art, in promoting environmental awareness and advocacy. Using case studies from Kenya and Tanzania, we analyse whether East African music infused with suitable environmental practices can help mainstream environmental education, arouse public interest towards nature, advocate for change in mind-sets, and call for proactive action on environmental conservation, while still offering entertainment. Ethnomusicological Kiswahili songs encouraging connection to nature were purposively chosen and acquired from YouTube. The lyrics of these songs were transcribed, translated, and analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis and Conceptual Metaphor Theories. By examining the context and meanings of these songs, we demonstrate that contemporary environmental songs are art forms of expression that advocate for increased environmental management by eliciting discussions and encouraging active societal eco-friendly remedial actions towards ecological resilience and environmental integrity. This article contributes to the emerging discourse on educational and environmental connections through the use of contemporary music, entertainment, and metaphors, with an overarching view to addressing current and emerging environmental concerns. Consequently, we affirm that African music can be used for entertainment, communication of messages and promotion of positive behaviour change.
Resume
Une évaluation des chansons environnementales kiswahili contemporaines d'Afrique de l'Est
Cet article évalue le rôle de la musique kiswahili contemporaine, une forme d'art oral, dans la promotion de la sensibilisation et du plaidoyer environnemental. À l’aide d’études de cas du Kenya et de Tanzanie, nous analysons si la musique d’Afrique de l’Est, imprégnée de pratiques environnementales appropriées, peut contribuer à généraliser l’éducation environnementale, susciter l’intérêt du public pour la nature, plaider en faveur d’un changement de mentalité et appeler à une action proactive en matière de conservation de l’environnement, tout en proposant des animations. Des chansons ethnomusicologiques kiswahili encourageant le lien avec la nature ont été délibérément choisies et acquises sur YouTube. Les paroles de ces chansons ont été transcrites, traduites et analysées. Les thèmes sous-jacents des chansons ont été décodés à l’aide de l’analyse critique du discours et des théories des métaphores conceptuelles. En examinant le contexte et la signification de ces chansons, nous démontrons que les chansons contemporaines respectueuses de l'environnement sont des formes d'expression artistique qui prônent une gestion accrue de l'environnement en suscitant des discussions et en encourageant des actions correctives sociétales actives et respectueuses de l'environnement en faveur de la résilience écologique et de l'intégrité environnementale. Cet article contribue au discours émergent sur les liens éducatifs et environnementaux à travers l’utilisation de la musique contemporaine, du divertissement et des métaphores, avec une vision globale pour répondre aux préoccupations environnementales actuelles et émergentes. Par conséquent, nous affirmons que la musique africaine peut être utilisée à des fins de divertissement, de communication de messages et de promotion d’un changement de comportement positif.
As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to... more As the number of observations submitted to the citizen science platform iNaturalist continues to grow, it is increasingly important that these observations can be identified to the finest taxonomic level, maximizing their value for biodiversity research. Here, we explore the benefits of acting as an identifier on iNaturalist.
Abstract: Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing ge... more Abstract: Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which include long lines, weirs, beach seines, fish baskets, and gill nets of various mesh sizes. The fishing gears have both positive and negative effects on the fishery. The ...
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
To achieve their conservation goals individuals, communities and organizations need to acquire a ... more To achieve their conservation goals individuals, communities and organizations need to acquire a diversity of skills, knowledge and information (i.e. capacity). Despite current efforts to build and maintain appropriate levels of conservation capacity, it has been recognized that there will need to be a significant scaling-up of these activities in sub-Saharan Africa. This is because of the rapid increase in the number and extent of environmental problems in the region. We present a range of socio-economic contexts relevant to four key areas of African conservation capacity building: protected area management, community engagement, effective leadership, and professional e-learning. Under these core themes, 39 specific recommendations are presented. These were derived from multi-stakeholder workshop discussions at an international conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2015. At the meeting 185 delegates (practitioners, scientists, community groups and government agencies) represented 105 organizations from 24 African nations and eight non-African nations. The 39 recommendations constituted six broad types of suggested action: (1) the development of new methods, (2) the provision of capacity building resources (e.g. information or data), (3) the communication of ideas or examples of successful initiatives, (4) the implementation of new research or gap analyses, (5) the establishment of new structures within and between organizations, and (6) the development of new partnerships. A number of cross-cutting issues also emerged from the discussions: the need for a greater sense of urgency in developing capacity building activities; the need to develop novel capacity building methodologies; and the need to move away from one-size-fits-all approaches.
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment, 2014
Sondu-Miriu River, Osodo beach, riverine fish, Artisan fishers of Osodo beach of Sondu-Miriu Rive... more Sondu-Miriu River, Osodo beach, riverine fish, Artisan fishers of Osodo beach of Sondu-Miriu River (Kenya) use both traditional and modern gear to catch riverine fish species. This study, conducted between August 2006 and July 2007, revealed that fishers most predominantly used gear were the seine nets (42%) and the gill nets (28%). Other used gear include long lines (14%); fish baskets (9%) and weirs (7%). The selectivity of this fishing gear varied with the developmental stages of the fish to be caught. Non-selective gear caught both targeted and non-targeted species irrespective of size and development stages. The ranking of selective to non-selective fishing gear was the long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach nets at 2%, 11%, 16%, 24% and 32%, respectively. The non-selective fishing gear may have negative impacts on the riverine fish by reducing spawning biomass and lacustrine fish recruitment. These findings underscore the need for greater appreciation, research, and adaptation of appropriate fishing gear to ensure sustainable utilization of the riverine fisheries in Sondu-Miriu River.
A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the... more A study was conducted to record the utilization of Boni-Lungi and Dodori National Reserves by the Aweer community. Results indicate the procuring of a wide gamut of provisional, regulatory, cultural and supportive services from these reserves by the community ranging from wood forest products utilized in construction to their use in expression of religious beliefs to non-wood products. In addition, 16 wildlife species were found to be utilized as primary source of protein, with eggs (guinea fowls and ostrich), fish and honey were utilized as secondary products, while various fungi and algae were consumed as vegetables. Resource extraction occurred with a seasonal dissimilitude. This study underscores the need for appreciation of Aweer ethnobiology input on native forest conservation.
Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which... more Artisan fishers of River Sondu Miriu, Western Kenya, utilize a wide range of fishing gears, which include long lines, weirs, beach seines, fish baskets, and gill nets of various mesh sizes. The fishing gears have both positive and negative effects on the fishery. The study was conducted between August 2006 and July 2007, during the wet and dry seasons. Four study sites were selected along the river where questionnaires were administered randomly to the artisan fishers. The major objective of the study was to assess the impacts of various fishing gears used by artisan fishers in the lower River Sondu Miriu and recommend measures for planning, and sustaining the rational utilization of the river fish species. The most predominantly used gear was the seine net followed by the gill. Beach seines preference was 42%, while other gears were gill nets (28%); long lines (14%); fish baskets (9%) and weirs (7%). The results indicated that the proportion of fish trapped varied among gears and caught fish were in different developmental stages. The juvenile fish caught in total catches by long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach seines were 2%, 11%, 16%, 24% and 32% respectively. The order of mature fish capture from the best to worst gears was thus long lines, fish baskets, weirs, gill nets and beach seines. Non-selective gears are fishing gears that catch both targeted and non-targeted species irrespective of sizes and developmental stages. Within Osodo Beach, these non-selective fishing gears were beach seines and gill nets. The gill nets involved were those lower than 4 inches in mesh size and 4 inches hang at a hanging ratio below 0.5. These gears caught gravid and juvenile fish which in the long term may have negative impacts on the riverine fish. These impacts include reduction of spawning biomass and lacustrine recruitment levels thus affecting the sustainability of the fish resource and economy of the area since fishing was the major economic activity. Lost and/or abandoned fish baskets and weirs were also non-selective though to a lower scale unlike the seines and gill nets. These effects may lead to the change in fish species composition, increased by-catch and ghost fishing. Construction and setting of weirs and baskets interfered with wetland refugia and increased sediments. Fish species in the seines were mostly comprised of Schilbe intermedius, Labeo victorianus Synodontis victoriae, Brycinus sadleri, Afromastacembelus frenatus, and Clarias gariepinus. In gill nets, the most encountered species were Schilbe intermedius, Labeo victorianus and Barbus. In baskets, Haplochromines and Schilbe were the commonest species caught. Weirs and baskets contained mostly Schilbe intermedius and Oreochromis niloticus while long lines caught Clarias sp. and Oreochromis sp. Fishing was done in calm water areas of the river and was more intense during the wet than dry season during which the fish spawned. This was attributed to the increased number of lacustrine fish that swim upstream to spawn. These fish were gravid females and milting males of large sizes. Fishing was also conducted in the flood plains, river course and river mouth. The river course and river mouth are fished all year. However, the river mouth is the most preferred since both the lake and riverine fish were present in the area. Fishing was the major economic activity in the area (64%) as compared to subsistence agriculture (36%). Economic gain accounts from fishing were 68% while from subsistence gain was 32%. The commercial fish were sold in the local markets. The most preferred commercial fish types were Synodontis victoriae, Schilbe intermedius, Haplochromines and Clarias gariepinus while Afromastacembelus frenatus was the least preferred, usually discarded dead into the river, though occasionally eaten. Fish reduced the communities' dependence on other protein sources like meat and chicken, which are expensive. In the local markets, a collection of five fish goes for between ten and twenty Kenyan shillings (0.14-0.28 US$). This was mainly during fish abundance. When the fish were scarce, they fetched higher prices. The money generated though negligible, settled school fees, health care and other social amenities bills after long time accumulations. At the major markets, fish sold by middlemen fetched from thirty to fifty Kenyan shillings (0.43-0.71 US$). Unlike fishing, agriculture practiced in the area was mainly for subsistence purposes. The study concluded that the River Sondu fishery is under threat from increased fishing pressure and degradation of fish nursery areas by fisher folk. Recommendations from this study are: fishing effort should be reduced through regulated fishing by season and location, e.g. closed fishing during spawning seasons; participatory revision of existing fishing laws and regulations should be done; implementing awareness and sensitization programs to fishers should be done; and providing credit facilities to promote alternative livelihood e.g. agriculture should be encouraged.
Africa’s sustainability future is bright. In that future, green jobs abound so much that youth un... more Africa’s sustainability future is bright. In that future, green jobs abound so much that youth unemployment is dealt a decisive blow. But for this future to materialise, young people, policymakers, private sector players, local communities, and Africans as a whole must roll up their sleeves and work very hard at ensuring replenishment and not depletion of natural resources. The numerous pathways that lead to this future can be found in parliaments, learning institutions, work places, local markets, city streets, farms, and all across Africa. This publication showcases over 30 such pathways that have already been carved successfully by young people from all over the continent.
Increased environmental degradation in Kenya, Africa, the global south and world over, has result... more Increased environmental degradation in Kenya, Africa, the global south and world over, has resulted in intensified incidents of food insecurity (FAO, 2009); water quality loss and scarcity; natural resource depletion and conflicts (FAOSTAT, 2009; FAO, 2010); emergence of infectious diseases and spread; increased pollution (Clinton Foundation, 2010); and unsustainable livelihoods, among other anthropogenic challenges including industrialization (UN Habitat, 2009). Natural environmental assets continue to be negatively exploited for economic gain; affecting their ability to discharge critical ecological, social, cultural, and economic functions, also known as ‘planetary boundaries,’ as argued by UN (2012). These negative trends not only push the planet towards a tipping point that would make the planet less habitable (Frantzeskaki & de Haan 2009; Rockström et al, 2009; UNEPa, 2012; UNEPb, 2012; UNEPc, 2012; Pradhan & Waswala, 2014), but also hamper the achievement of national and global agenda including the Kenya’s Vision 2030 (Government of the Republic of Kenya, 2007); the African Union Vision 2063 (African Union Commission, 2013); and a myriad of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Most of these extractive socio-economic and ecological ills are a result of people lacking an appreciation of the environment, as it is viewed as public good open to exploitation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the tragedy of the commons (Ostrom E., 2008). The negative mindset is exuberated by poor law enforcement; coupled with the economics and ecological disconnect especially at decision making and limited consideration of emerging environmental issues. The economic and ecological disconnect is primarily because environmental sustainability is yet to be mainstreamed into a number of academic disciplines / courses in learning institutions.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a vital role to play in influencing the future societies towards a sustainable future by producing new knowledge; development of skills and competencies; and elevating sustainability consciousness. Despite humanity sharing common learning environments and planet, most academic courses taught in HEIs are taught independently, as opposed to interrelating them through “systems thinking.” This is essential because each dimension of development can either have a positive or negative impact on other dimensions. It is therefore increasingly important that interdisciplinary cross-cutting environmental education is promoted in HEIs, as this is a conduit to preserving and improving the world's environment, as envisaged in world's inaugural Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education (UNESCO, 1978) and subsequent conferences. The Tbilisi meeting culminated with the need to promote environmental education at all levels and for all age groups both inside and outside the formal school system. This is especially critical in addressing the emerging environmental challenges the world is grappling with. It is also of great urgency for youth, academia, and future leaders, in collaboration with governments and private entities, to develop and embrace interdisciplinary curriculum capacity development and practical hands-on solutions on environmental ethics and sustainability for prosperity as proposed by Karri Holley (2017). This kind of curriculum offers students a platform to work with vast knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines and to solve cross-cutting problems. It also stimulates intergenerational learning and transformative leadership.
The chapter provides an overview of the Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African U... more The chapter provides an overview of the Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability in African Universities Partnership (MESA). The partnership was established to strengthen capacity development and environmental innovation through practical education, training and networking in African universities through Education for Sustainable Development initiatives. The MESA partnership, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 2004, was developed via three phases over the period of the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development, culminating in this Monograph on ‘Stories of Change’, and the development of the Africa Environmental Education and Training Action Plan for 2015-2024. MESA universities have contributed to the development of this Action Plan, and also paved the way for the establishment of the Global Universities Partnership for Environment and Sustainability (GUPES), which now has 500 partner universities, including the 90 from the MESA network. This allows MESA universities to be linked into a global universities network focusing on the mainstreaming of environment and sustainability into universities.
Over the last quarter of a century, the world economy has quadrupled, benefiting hundreds of mill... more Over the last quarter of a century, the world economy has quadrupled, benefiting hundreds of millions of people. This increase in economic growth, a result of increased consumption, has resulted in the loss of livelihoods and the degradation of approximately 60% of the world’s major ecosystems services. This degradation is attributed to the exploitation of natural resources, without allowing stocks to regenerate, and through allowing widespread ecosystem mismanagement. The increased consumption of Earth’s resources is pushing the planet towards a ‘tipping point’. This tipping point is attributed to increases in world population, industrialization (UN Habitat 2009), pollution (Clinton Foundation 2010), food production (FAO 2009) and resources depletion (FAO 2010).
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Papers by Brian Waswala
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Une évaluation des chansons environnementales kiswahili contemporaines d'Afrique de l'Est
Cet article évalue le rôle de la musique kiswahili contemporaine, une forme d'art oral, dans la promotion de la sensibilisation et du plaidoyer environnemental. À l’aide d’études de cas du Kenya et de Tanzanie, nous analysons si la musique d’Afrique de l’Est, imprégnée de pratiques environnementales appropriées, peut contribuer à généraliser l’éducation environnementale, susciter l’intérêt du public pour la nature, plaider en faveur d’un changement de mentalité et appeler à une action proactive en matière de conservation de l’environnement, tout en proposant des animations. Des chansons ethnomusicologiques kiswahili encourageant le lien avec la nature ont été délibérément choisies et acquises sur YouTube. Les paroles de ces chansons ont été transcrites, traduites et analysées. Les thèmes sous-jacents des chansons ont été décodés à l’aide de l’analyse critique du discours et des théories des métaphores conceptuelles. En examinant le contexte et la signification de ces chansons, nous démontrons que les chansons contemporaines respectueuses de l'environnement sont des formes d'expression artistique qui prônent une gestion accrue de l'environnement en suscitant des discussions et en encourageant des actions correctives sociétales actives et respectueuses de l'environnement en faveur de la résilience écologique et de l'intégrité environnementale. Cet article contribue au discours émergent sur les liens éducatifs et environnementaux à travers l’utilisation de la musique contemporaine, du divertissement et des métaphores, avec une vision globale pour répondre aux préoccupations environnementales actuelles et émergentes. Par conséquent, nous affirmons que la musique africaine peut être utilisée à des fins de divertissement, de communication de messages et de promotion d’un changement de comportement positif.
Chapter by Brian Waswala
Most of these extractive socio-economic and ecological ills are a result of people lacking an appreciation of the environment, as it is viewed as public good open to exploitation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the tragedy of the commons (Ostrom E., 2008). The negative mindset is exuberated by poor law enforcement; coupled with the economics and ecological disconnect especially at decision making and limited consideration of emerging environmental issues. The economic and ecological disconnect is primarily because environmental sustainability is yet to be mainstreamed into a number of academic disciplines / courses in learning institutions.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a vital role to play in influencing the future societies towards a sustainable future by producing new knowledge; development of skills and competencies; and elevating sustainability consciousness. Despite humanity sharing common learning environments and planet, most academic courses taught in HEIs are taught independently, as opposed to interrelating them through “systems thinking.” This is essential because each dimension of development can either have a positive or negative impact on other dimensions. It is therefore increasingly important that interdisciplinary cross-cutting environmental education is promoted in HEIs, as this is a conduit to preserving and improving the world's environment, as envisaged in world's inaugural Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education (UNESCO, 1978) and subsequent conferences. The Tbilisi meeting culminated with the need to promote environmental education at all levels and for all age groups both inside and outside the formal school system. This is especially critical in addressing the emerging environmental challenges the world is grappling with. It is also of great urgency for youth, academia, and future leaders, in collaboration with governments and private entities, to develop and embrace interdisciplinary curriculum capacity development and practical hands-on solutions on environmental ethics and sustainability for prosperity as proposed by Karri Holley (2017). This kind of curriculum offers students a platform to work with vast knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines and to solve cross-cutting problems. It also stimulates intergenerational learning and transformative leadership.
Books by Brian Waswala
Resume
Une évaluation des chansons environnementales kiswahili contemporaines d'Afrique de l'Est
Cet article évalue le rôle de la musique kiswahili contemporaine, une forme d'art oral, dans la promotion de la sensibilisation et du plaidoyer environnemental. À l’aide d’études de cas du Kenya et de Tanzanie, nous analysons si la musique d’Afrique de l’Est, imprégnée de pratiques environnementales appropriées, peut contribuer à généraliser l’éducation environnementale, susciter l’intérêt du public pour la nature, plaider en faveur d’un changement de mentalité et appeler à une action proactive en matière de conservation de l’environnement, tout en proposant des animations. Des chansons ethnomusicologiques kiswahili encourageant le lien avec la nature ont été délibérément choisies et acquises sur YouTube. Les paroles de ces chansons ont été transcrites, traduites et analysées. Les thèmes sous-jacents des chansons ont été décodés à l’aide de l’analyse critique du discours et des théories des métaphores conceptuelles. En examinant le contexte et la signification de ces chansons, nous démontrons que les chansons contemporaines respectueuses de l'environnement sont des formes d'expression artistique qui prônent une gestion accrue de l'environnement en suscitant des discussions et en encourageant des actions correctives sociétales actives et respectueuses de l'environnement en faveur de la résilience écologique et de l'intégrité environnementale. Cet article contribue au discours émergent sur les liens éducatifs et environnementaux à travers l’utilisation de la musique contemporaine, du divertissement et des métaphores, avec une vision globale pour répondre aux préoccupations environnementales actuelles et émergentes. Par conséquent, nous affirmons que la musique africaine peut être utilisée à des fins de divertissement, de communication de messages et de promotion d’un changement de comportement positif.
Most of these extractive socio-economic and ecological ills are a result of people lacking an appreciation of the environment, as it is viewed as public good open to exploitation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the tragedy of the commons (Ostrom E., 2008). The negative mindset is exuberated by poor law enforcement; coupled with the economics and ecological disconnect especially at decision making and limited consideration of emerging environmental issues. The economic and ecological disconnect is primarily because environmental sustainability is yet to be mainstreamed into a number of academic disciplines / courses in learning institutions.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a vital role to play in influencing the future societies towards a sustainable future by producing new knowledge; development of skills and competencies; and elevating sustainability consciousness. Despite humanity sharing common learning environments and planet, most academic courses taught in HEIs are taught independently, as opposed to interrelating them through “systems thinking.” This is essential because each dimension of development can either have a positive or negative impact on other dimensions. It is therefore increasingly important that interdisciplinary cross-cutting environmental education is promoted in HEIs, as this is a conduit to preserving and improving the world's environment, as envisaged in world's inaugural Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education (UNESCO, 1978) and subsequent conferences. The Tbilisi meeting culminated with the need to promote environmental education at all levels and for all age groups both inside and outside the formal school system. This is especially critical in addressing the emerging environmental challenges the world is grappling with. It is also of great urgency for youth, academia, and future leaders, in collaboration with governments and private entities, to develop and embrace interdisciplinary curriculum capacity development and practical hands-on solutions on environmental ethics and sustainability for prosperity as proposed by Karri Holley (2017). This kind of curriculum offers students a platform to work with vast knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines and to solve cross-cutting problems. It also stimulates intergenerational learning and transformative leadership.